ANALYSIS: The ugly truths of the AFL mirror our society
Sport we are told is a place beyond politics. A place beyond race. A place where talent is all that matters.Racism has never been far from sport in Australia. In 1908 African American boxer, Jack Johnson, fought world champion, Tommy Burns, in Sydney to become the first black heavyweight champion.
London had to concede this was not a fight but a massacre," the playful Ethiopian at loggerheads with a small and futile white man."Yes, there have even been examples of well-loved Indigenous sports heroes: Lionel Rose, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Cathy Freeman more lately Ash Barty. Outspoken Indigenous athletes like former rugby league star and world champion boxer Anthony Mundine weren't so loved. People paid their money hoping he would be defeated.Even where Indigenous or Pacific Islander athletes are accepted, even celebrated do they truly feel as though they belong?. Together they make up more than half of all players.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AFL clubs urged by WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister to hold reviews after Hawthorn racism allegationsWA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti says all AFL clubs should conduct internal reviews into their treatment of Indigenous players in the wake of the allegations levelled at the Hawthorn Football Club.
Read more »
AFL fans ‘disgusted’ after Yarra boat snub in new-look Grand Final ParadeIt was a new look AFL grand final parade today. rochelleebrown1 explains how it played out and how it's been received by fans and players. 7AFL 7NEWS
Read more »
AFL and Fifa must rethink concussion rules amid Paul McCrory plagiarism claims, says expertAnother generation is at risk of developing fatal brain disease, says Dr Chris Nowinski. ‘Whether you’re hitting your child in the head or letting them get tackled, their brain can’t tell the difference’
Read more »
Gillon McLachlan set to postpone AFL exit as Hawks investigation hits speed bumpAFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan could postpone his exit from the role after confirming to 7NEWS the independent investigation into Hawthorn’s racism scandal could take months to complete. 7NEWS
Read more »
Footy not the only AFL contest as McLachlan’s job goes up for grabsGillon McLachlan’s term is set to end at the end of this season after a 22-year career at the AFL, capped off by eight years leading the sporting code.
Read more »
AFL stares down grand final twist as inauspicious conversations hint at late dramaThe AFL grand final is staring down two selection twists as Geelong accept they could be forced into a late change, with Sydney yet to definitively prove it will not need to do the same. 7NEWS
Read more »